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Lawrence Haynes | 3 minutes | 07/16/2026

Is Krypton Rare?

Yes, krypton is rare. It makes up about 1.14 parts per million of air by volume, or roughly one krypton atom for every million molecules of air around it. That works out to 0.0001% of the atmosphere. It isn’t the rarest gas on Earth, though. Xenon is scarcer, at about 0.087 parts per million, which …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 07/16/2026

Why Is Nitrogen Used in the Pharmaceutical Industry?

Nitrogen is used across pharmaceutical manufacturing because it keeps oxygen and moisture away from drugs that degrade on contact with either. It shields reactions, clears equipment, fills the space above a sealed dose, and freezes biological material for storage. This one gas covers all of it, which is why it shows up at nearly every …

Tyler O'Brien | 7 minutes | 07/16/2026

What Is Helium? The Complete Guide to the Element and Its Uses

Helium is a colorless, odorless gas with the chemical symbol He and atomic number 2. It’s the lightest of the noble gases and the second-lightest element overall, sitting right after hydrogen. Helium is completely inert and colder as a liquid than anything else in existence, which is why it turns up in medical scanners, leak-testing …

Tyler O'Brien | 4 minutes | 07/16/2026

Can You MIG Weld Without Gas?

Yes, you can MIG weld without gas, but not by running standard solid wire with the gas turned off. That gives you weak, porous welds every time. Real gasless MIG welding means switching to self-shielded flux-cored wire, which carries its own shielding inside the wire and doesn’t require a separate gas cylinder. WestAir supplies gas …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/19/2025

Is Acetylene Gas Explosive?

Yes, acetylene gas is highly explosive and requires careful handling due to its chemical properties. Its use requires strict safety protocols that prevent potentially dangerous situations. In this guide, we explain what makes acetylene so highly explosive. We’ll then show you how to prioritize safety when using this gas to get the most out of …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/18/2025

What Is Acetylene Used For?

Acetylene is primarily used for welding, metal fabrication, and chemical manufacturing, though it also has various specialized applications. Its unique properties and high flame temperature make it a valuable resource across industries. In this guide, we explore the most common uses of acetylene to show you the many ways you can leverage it. We’ll then …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/17/2025

What Is Helium Used for in Hospitals?

In modern healthcare, helium is used for MRI machines, respiratory therapy, and various medical procedures. Its unique properties make it irreplaceable in several hospital applications. This guide covers some of the most popular use cases to explain how widespread and indispensable helium is. We’ll also discuss how to manage and conserve this valuable material effectively. …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/14/2025

What Is Liquid Nitrogen?

Liquid nitrogen is a cryogenic fluid form of nitrogen that exists at extremely low temperatures of -196°C (-321°F). This colorless, odorless liquid plays a crucial role in various industries, from food processing to healthcare and manufacturing. In this guide, we cover all the basics of liquid nitrogen, including: WestAir supplies nitrogen across California and Arizona. Understanding Liquid …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/13/2025

What Is Deuterium Gas Used For?

Deuterium gas is a stable isotope of hydrogen used in various industrial settings, from nuclear fusion to semiconductor manufacturing. This versatile gas is crucial in advancing technology and scientific research across multiple sectors. In this guide, we’ll explore some of deuterium’s main uses in more detail. You’ll learn exactly how it benefits different industries, after …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/11/2025

Does Propane Freeze?

Propane freezes at an extremely low temperature of -306.4°F (-188°C), so it’s virtually impossible for it to freeze under normal atmospheric conditions. Still, cold weather can significantly impact propane systems and their performance. In this guide, we explain how propane behaves as temperatures drop. You’ll then learn how to properly manage a propane system during …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 02/10/2025

How Is Propane Transported?

Propane is transported through various methods, such as: Each method is specifically designed to ensure safe and efficient delivery to end users. The right transportation method depends on factors like distance, quantity, and specific customer requirements. To help you understand the main propane transportation approaches in more detail, this guide covers all the basics you …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/10/2025

Is Carbon Dioxide Toxic?

Carbon dioxide can become toxic at elevated concentrations, though it’s generally safe at normal atmospheric levels. The toxicity of CO2 mainly depends on its concentration and exposure duration. This guide breaks down carbon dioxide toxicity levels to highlight those at which the gas can be hazardous. We’ll also cover the main industrial applications of CO2 …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/07/2025

What Is Inerting?

Inerting is a safety process where inert gases are introduced into confined spaces to displace oxygen and prevent unwanted combustion or explosive reactions. This vital procedure helps maintain safety across various industries, from aviation to chemical processing. In this guide, you’ll learn all you need to know about inerting: The Fundamentals of Inerting and Why …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/06/2025

What Is Nitrogen Blanketing?

Nitrogen blanketing (also known as tank blanketing or tank padding) is a critical industrial process where nitrogen gas fills the empty space above liquids in storage tanks to prevent contamination and maintain product quality. To help you understand how this process works and what makes it so important, this guide will cover all you need …

Nick Vasco | 4 minutes | 02/06/2025

What Is Argon Used for in Welding?

Argon is primarily used as a shielding gas in welding to protect the weld pool from atmospheric contamination and ensure clean, strong, and high-quality welds. To help you get the most out of this staple welding gas, this guide will cover: The Critical Role of Argon as a Shielding Gas In welding, argon is your …

Nick Vasco | 3 minutes | 02/05/2025

Is Argon an Inert Gas?

Argon is an inert gas that belongs to the noble gas family. Its unique properties and lack of reactivity make it invaluable for various industrial and commercial applications. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what makes argon so special besides its inert nature. We’ll also cover some key safety considerations and the importance of opting …